Transformed, Not Taken Away

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whom the hope of the blessed resurrection shines forth so that those who mourn may be consoled with the promise of eternal life. In You, O Lord, life is transformed and not taken away so that this earthly body is prepared for an eternal home in heaven. Therefore with angels... [Proper Preface for Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, Lutheran Service Book Agenda, p. 153]

Almighty God, in whose glorious presence live all who depart in the Lord, we give You hearty thanks for Your loving-kindness to all Your servants who have finished their course in faith and now rest from their labors. We humbly implore Your mercy that we, together with all who have departed in the saving faith, may have our perfect consummation and bliss in both body and soul in Your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [Collect for Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, Lutheran Service Book Agenda, p. 151]